A survey by safety experts showed drivers nipping through the central reservation on East Bawtry Road have been involved in eight crashes in the past few years - some of them serious.

Highways engineers are now planning to close the gaps in the central reservation between Whiston Crossroads and the Worrygoose Island.

The work, which is expected to take eight weeks, will also include a traffic light-controlled pedestrian crossing and cycleway near the junction with Lease Gate Road.

Highways officials say that the speed limit on the road - one of South Yorkshire's busiest - is also being reduced following concerns raised by residents.

A spokesman said: "The gaps are used by local people reaching the residential service roads either side of this busy dual carriageway.

"However, the gaps do not comply with current design standards or highway guidance.

"Often right-turning vehicles have to sit and wait in the second lane of the dual carriageway, which puts them at risk of colliding with fast moving traffic.

"An accident study carried out by the authority has identified that in the last five years, eight crashes have taken place because of the gaps, with 17 people sustaining injuries."

Deceleration lanes and right turn facilities on either side of the dual carriageway are also being built.

The 50mph limit will be among the first to be considered as part of a review of speed restrictions on all A and B roads across Rotherham.


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